Why you should save your goal setting until spring

At the start of every year, people all over the world kick off a journey towards self-improvement, and take up resolutions for the new year. But it is disappointing to learn that an alarming 80 per cent of these people give up their New Year’s resolutions before this point in the year. Does this imply a widespread lack of self-control—or could it be that January and February, two cold and gloomy months, are not an ideal time for major life changes?

To address this phenomenon, Mattress Online investigates how spring can transform us and refocus goal setting on this narrative, and explains why it may be the best season for embarking on individual quests for transformation.

Every March 20, the spring equinox arrives not only to mark the beginning of an astrological year but also as a herald for brighter days. In explaining why goal attainment thrives most in the spring season, Cavendish Cancer Care’s Corporate Wellbeing Manager, Chloe Angus shares her expertise.

Angus argues that during this time of rejuvenation and rebirth, spring facilitates goal accomplishment more than any other period. The symbolic rebirth in nature parallels the opportunities available for personal growth, which encourages positive thinking and enthusiasm. With lengthening days accompanied by a blooming world around us, the energy and vitality of spring can be a catalyst for change leading to better lives thus making it a good moment to set realistic targets aimed at achieving meaningful goals.

A common societal expectation that is often associated with new years revolves around “new year, new you.” Yet Chloe Angus feels there is a need for self-care during this period where we should just listen to our bodies. She points out that spring is an optimal time to create fresh intentions. The rejuvenated environment and the sense of novelty that permeate the air align with the natural rhythm of growth and change, making it a season conducive to personal transformation.

“The new year can hold pressure for people with expectations of “new year, new you”, but for many people this time of year is when we need to rest and listen to our body more. Spring can be good to set new intentions—it is a time when things feel fresh and our environment blooms. We can still set goals and new habits at any time of the year with small consistent steps that work with our life, however it’s still important to consider your body and own personal capabilities, especially when dealing with SAD.” 

Angus questions the typical practice of setting great resolutions at the start of each year and instead prefers embracing small, consistent steps that align with someone’s own personal life. In this regard, she considers individual abilities while bearing in mind that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can significantly affect one’s ability to go after and achieve goals.

Those experiencing SAD may have:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition characterized by ongoing low mood and other symptoms can be formidable challenges towards achieving individual goals. The undiagnosed presence of SAD may unwittingly sabotage fitness-related resolutions, fostering a belief that one lacks the inclination to adhere to New Year's goals. Individuals struggling with SAD may experience waning interest, poor focus and other obstacles which hamper progress.

However, it is important amid these setbacks to remember that regular exercise can be a powerful tool for alleviating SAD symptoms. Instead of postponing resolutions completely, January provides an excellent period of practicing mindfulness and self-compassion. Staying active is akin to healing both body and mind simultaneously for as long as possible.

Addressing SAD symptoms requires a multi-dimensional and individual approach. A general practitioner might recommend professional help such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, light therapy, but people also have self-help strategies that they can embrace in advance.

Some of the positive ways that enhance mental health include exposure to sun rays, stress management skills, good nutrition practice, intentional use of illumination, and gentle exercise, especially outdoors. Light therapy is fast becoming a popular treatment for SAD symptoms where an individual may use a certified lamp or a light box that imitates natural morning sunlight. Consequently, it produces serotonin which is the mood enhancing hormone while melatonin, a sleep hormone is suppressed thereby affecting circadian rhythm positively.

Though light therapy may show immediate results it further supports the concept of continuous self-care and mental health considerations particularly when pursuing long-term goals. These interventions incorporated into one’s life can not only provide symptom relief but also build resilience and empowerment towards personal aspirations amidst the complexities of living with SAD.